Cayla Ross

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held?

My educational background includes receiving both my undergrad degree and graduate degree through Slippery Rock University. I received my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education in May 2012. I received my Masters in Reading Specialists in July 2019. Some positions I’ve held have included teaching 5th grade History and Science, 5th grade Reading and Language Arts, and currently working as a 3rd grade Language Arts teacher.

2. What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department?

Slippery Rock University struck me with how beautiful their campus was. Coming from a small high school, I was immediately drawn to the size of Slippery Rock. While attending Slippery Rock University, I felt like an immediate resident of the small town of Slippery Rock. Everything was at walking distance, which was great! Throughout my process of looking for colleges with an education program, not one school topped Slippery Rock. Slippery Rock University was nationally known as a highly respected school for their education program. 

3. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

As an educator, there are several rewarding aspects of our jobs. One of my favorite aspects of my job is to watch the growth and progress of my students not only from my perspective as their teacher, but to watch that same realization among my students. To see that fire lit in their eyes when they gain the confidence in themselves as learners is so rewarding. When you have students who pull you aside at the end of the school year to just say thank you for all that you did for them, you realize one of the many reasons why you chose to go into this profession. 

4. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

Throughout my time as an undergrad and graduate student at Slippery Rock University, I was grateful to have guidance and knowledge from many professors. I was always awed by their knowledge and dedication to the education field. A professor that has stuck with me the most is Mary Vetere. Mary Vetere was an Early Childhood Educator professor. Not only did I love her class and gained so much insightful knowledge, but she was so inspiring as an educator. Mary Vetere was encouraging and never gave up on her future educators in her courses. She always provided effective feedback that helped promote growth and learning. She was always so welcoming and was available even after I graduated to write me a very professional recommendation letter. I will always be grateful for my time spent with her and continue use some of her practices today in my own classroom. 

5. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher shows passion for their job as an educator every single day. Our days as an educator are not always easy, and not always enjoyable, but one who is passionate about their job as a teacher will persevere to ensure the best for their students. You can always tell the passion in a great teacher by the way they speak of their students and their lessons to others. A great teacher also is someone who knows and understands that education is a revolving door with new teaching practices and techniques to implement to best fit the needs for their students. A great teacher is not one that can be made, but always have the continuous passion for growth and learning as their career carries on.